MARGATE – Stanford University Cardinal and Atlantic City High School graduate Lexi Gormley will approach her freshman year on the NCAA championship team knowing she has the backing of everyone in her hometown, county, state and country.
She is a third-generation rower in the Gormley family, preceded by her grandfather William and dad Sean, who attended the Margate Board of Commissioners meeting to see their protégé honored with a proclamation naming Sept. 4, 2025, as Lexi Gormley Day in Margate.
Mayor Michael Collins presented the proclamation alongside NJ Assemblywoman Claire Swift, who delivered a proclamation from the Atlantic County Board of County Commissioners, and Assemblyman Don Guardian, who presented her with a joint proclamation from NJ Sen. Vince Polistina and the NJ State Legislature.
Lexi Gormley was the No. 6 seat on the U.S. women’s eight team that took the silver medal in the 2025 World Rowing Under 19 Championships held in Trakai, Lithuania, Aug. 8-10.
Last year, the 18-year-old helped her team win a bronze medal at the World Championship.
According to the World Rowing website, teams were expecting a close race in the final. Although Great Britain won the race, the U.S. team finished just 1.63 seconds behind, with a time of 6:49.50.
“Off at 45 strokes per minute, the British went off hard to try and sneak an early lead, but there was nothing between all six crews. By 500m, Australia had taken the lead, but only by 0.16 seconds ahead of Great Britain with Germany in third. Into the second quarter, Great Britain and Australia were exchanging the lead every single stroke. Australia still holding prime position at halfway, but only just. The lead had changed again with 500m to go with Great Britain now leading, but everyone was watching for the USA boat which had very high boat speed and were working their way through the field – what could the defending champions do? Into the final sprint, the Americans were now piling the pressure onto the British and Romania had moved into bronze medal position. What an epic race! The British were winding up for the line, they opened up a lead and nobody could catch them. Meanwhile, an epic second half from the USA had secured them the silver with Romania claiming bronze.”
Result: GBR, USA, ROU, ITA, GER, AUS
Collins said she represented her city, state and country with “pride and determination” and will continue to uphold the highest standards of athletic and academic achievement in the future.
He said Lexi Gormley is an inspiration to the youth of Margate and reminds them of “the value of hard work, resilience and community pride."
He called her an “ambassador for our city and a role model for future generations.”
“I have a feeling she will have a lot more successes,” Collins said, noting it is likely the city will be presenting additional proclamations honoring her achievements in the future.
“Watching you grow and row for Atlantic City High School and what you have accomplished is unbelievable for our city county state and our country,” Swift said.
Presenting the commendation from NJ Senate and Assembly, Guardian wished her the very best in her future endeavors.
“You have brought a lot of joy to Margate and the county,” he said.
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